bing1 saan1冰山
Jyutpingbing1 saan1
Yalebīng sāan
Definition
Iceberg; a large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off a glacier or an ice shelf and is floating in open water.
neutralnature
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a floating mass of ice, this term is frequently used in the idiom 冰山一角 to describe the tip of the iceberg. It serves as a powerful metaphor for situations where only a small, visible portion of a much larger and more complex problem is revealed. Using it in this metaphorical sense adds a sense of gravity or hidden depth to your observation.
Measure word
zo2座jóExamples
There is a huge iceberg floating on the sea.
Related words
Common phrases
the tip of the iceberg
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
